You can add someone to your SunTrust checking account, but the process and options depend on whether you want them to have full access or limited access

SunTrust (now Truist Financial Corporation following a 2019 merger) lets you add another person to your checking account in two main ways: as a joint account holder with equal rights to the money and account decisions, or as an authorized user with a debit card and access to funds but fewer legal responsibilities. The method you choose affects what paperwork you need, how long it takes, and what happens to the account if one person dies or wants out.

You do not need to close your current account to add someone. Instead, you convert it to a joint account or link an authorized user to your existing account number. The timing varies: some changes happen the same day in a branch, while others take a few business days to process.

Key Takeaways

  • A joint account holder has equal legal ownership and can withdraw all money, close the account, or change account terms without your permission.
  • An authorized user can use a debit card and access funds but does not own the account and cannot close it or change terms.
  • You must visit a Truist branch in person with the other person and valid ID to add them; you cannot do this online or by phone.
  • Joint account holders are both liable for overdrafts and account fees, while authorized users are not.
  • If a joint account holder dies, the money typically passes to the surviving holder; if an authorized user dies, the account remains yours alone.

Joint Account Holder vs. Authorized User: What Each One Means

A joint account holder is a co-owner of the account with the same legal rights as you. They can deposit money, withdraw any amount, apply for overdraft protection, change the account type, add or remove other people, and close the account entirely—all without telling you. If the account goes negative, both of you are responsible for the overdraft fee. If one joint holder dies, the surviving holder typically inherits the full balance (this is called "right of survivorship" and is the default for most joint accounts).

An authorized user is someone you give permission to use the account through a debit card or online access, but they do not own it. They can spend money and check the balance, but they cannot close the account, change the account type, remove themselves, or add other people. They are not responsible for overdraft fees or other account charges—you are. If an authorized user dies, the account remains yours alone with no complications.

Choose a joint account holder if you trust the person completely and want them to have full control—for example, a spouse or adult child managing household finances. Choose an authorized user if you want to give someone spending access but keep control of the account—for example, a teenager, an elderly parent, or a caregiver.

What You Need to Bring to Add Someone at a Truist Branch

You must visit a Truist branch in person with the other person. Both of you need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Bring your debit card or account number so the banker can pull up your account quickly. If you are adding a joint holder, the banker will have you both sign new account documents that spell out the rights and responsibilities of each owner.

There is no online or phone option for this. Truist requires both people to be present and to sign paperwork in front of a banker. This protects both of you by confirming that both parties agreed to the change.

If the person you want to add does not have a valid ID, they cannot be added. If they live far away, you have two choices: they can visit a Truist branch near them (Truist has locations across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic), or you can wait until you see them in person to make the change together.

How Long It Takes and When the Change Takes Effect

If you add someone as an authorized user, the change usually takes effect the same day or within one business day. The new debit card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though you can often request expedited shipping for a fee.

If you add someone as a joint account holder, the account conversion takes the same day at the branch, but the paperwork may take one to three business days to fully process in Truist's system. During that time, both of you can use the account, but some features (like changing the account type or adding another person) might not work until the paperwork clears.

New debit cards for joint holders also arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need a card sooner, ask the banker whether rush delivery is available and what it costs.

What Happens to the Account If Someone Wants to Leave or Dies

If a joint account holder wants to leave, they cannot simply remove themselves. Either of you can visit a branch and convert the account back to a single-holder account, but both of you should agree on how to split the money first. If you disagree, the money stays in the account until you reach an agreement or a court decides.

If an authorized user wants to leave, you can remove them by visiting a branch or calling Truist customer service. The debit card stops working immediately, though the removal may take one business day to fully process.

If a joint account holder dies, the surviving holder keeps the account and all the money in it (assuming the account was set up with right of survivorship, which is standard). You do not need a court order. If an authorized user dies, nothing changes—the account is still yours.

Fees and Account Changes When Adding Someone

Adding an authorized user or joint holder does not cost anything. Truist does not charge a fee for the change itself. However, if you convert a single-holder account to a joint account, check whether your current account type has any special benefits or lower fees that might change. Some account types are only available to single holders.

If you are adding a joint holder and your account currently has overdraft protection or a linked savings account, both of you will now have access to those features. Make sure you both understand how overdraft protection works, since both of you are liable for any overdraft fees.

Authorized users do not trigger any fee changes. They simply get a debit card tied to your account.

If You Cannot Visit a Branch or the Person Lives Out of State

Truist requires both people to be present at a branch, so there is no workaround if one of you cannot travel. However, you have options:

  • Visit a Truist branch near the other person if they live in a state where Truist operates (primarily the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic).
  • Wait until you see the person in person and visit a branch together.
  • If the person lives outside Truist's service area, you cannot add them as a joint holder or authorized user through Truist. You would need to open an account with a bank that serves both locations, or use a different method to share account access (such as giving them a power of attorney, which is a legal document that lets them act on your behalf).

If you need a power of attorney instead, that is a separate legal process handled through an attorney or your state's court system, not through the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account without them being present?

No. Truist requires both the account holder and the person being added to visit a branch together with valid ID and sign paperwork in front of a banker. This is a legal requirement to protect both parties.

What if I want to add someone but keep them from seeing my account balance?

You cannot do this with a joint account holder—they have full access to all account information. If you want to limit what someone can see, make them an authorized user instead. They get a debit card and can spend money, but they cannot see the full account history or balance without asking you.

Can I add someone to my account if they do not have a Social Security number?

No. Truist requires a valid government-issued photo ID and a Social Security number (or ITIN for non-citizens) to add anyone to an account. This is a federal banking requirement, not a Truist policy.

If I add a joint holder, can they remove me from the account?

Yes. A joint account holder has equal rights, so they can visit a branch and remove you or convert the account back to a single-holder account in their name. This is why you should only make someone a joint holder if you trust them completely.

What happens to the account if a joint holder files for bankruptcy?

The account and its funds may be considered part of their bankruptcy estate, which means creditors could potentially claim money in the account. This is a legal matter that depends on your state's laws and the details of the bankruptcy. Speak with a bankruptcy attorney if this is a concern.